Having Fun in Cairns

When we arrived in Cairns, we were quick to change into our swimming costumes because we wanted to get to the beach.  Little did we know that the beach was a half hour cab ride away... so we went  shopping instead.  At the night market, we made a connection with an Indigenous Aboriginal artist.  He   taught us how to throw a boomerang, along with the different models. He agreed to Skype with us on our parent/student night! Our School Connection was at Cairns West State School with a school enrollment of 727 students.  It was a diverse population.  About 70% are aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander Students.    Mr. Hansen and his staff were very welcoming.  We had an extensive tour of their buildings and grounds.  They have an open air concept.  We were amazed by the school garden and "teaching kitchen"  The older students prepare recipes using the garden harvest in the life skills center!  (A school kitchen with student lessons and preparation area.)  They were very excited to build an international bridge with us.  We presented them with Madison School attire.  We look forward to our new global partnership in Cairns.  Today we had a life changing excursion to the Great Barrier Reef.  We visited The Michaelmas Cay on the Ocean Spirit Catamaran.  We scuba dived, snorkeled and rode in a semi-submersable boat. We were able to get up close and personal with green turtles, clown fish,  a ray, angel fish, barracuda,  sea cucumber, and many different kinds of coral and sea life.  Stay tuned for our Rain Forrest update.****To view our pictures please click on the Cairns page.